Developing a Mission Statement - Texas Tech University ...

Developing a Mission Statement

A mission statement is a brief statement of the general values and principles which guide the program or office/department goals. It sets a tone and a philosophical position from which to follow a program's or office's/department's goals and objectives. The mission statement should define the broad purposes the program or office/department is aiming to achieve, describe the community the program or office/department is designed to serve, and state the values and guiding principles which define its standards.

Mission statements must also be consistent with the principles of purpose set forth in the school's/institution's mission statements. Accrediting bodies expect that mission statements be in harmony with mission statements of the institution, school/college, and/or department. Therefore, a good starting point for any program or office/department mission statement is to consider how the program or office/department mission supports or complements the university, school/college, and department missions and strategic goals.

A mission statement...

is a broad statement of who the program or office/department is, what it does, why it does what it does, and for whom it does it for

is a clear description of the purpose of the program or office/department and the learning environment

reflects how the program or office/department contributes to the education and careers of students graduating from the school or how the program or office/department supports its customers

may reflect how the teaching and research efforts are used to enhance student learning is aligned with office/department, college, and university missions should be distinctive for the program or office/department

Components of a Mission Statement

Primary functions or activities of the program or office/department ? most important functions, operations, outcomes, and/or offerings of the program or office/department

Purpose of the program or office/department ? primary reasons why you perform your major activities or operations

Stakeholders ? groups or individuals that participate in the program or office/department and those that will benefit from the program or office/department

Characteristics/Attributes of a Well Written Mission Statement

Is unique to your program or office/department Clarifies the distinctive purpose of your program or office/department Identifies signature features of your program or office/department Is short and concise Is easy to understand and remember Promotes alignment with the institutional/school/department mission Withstands time, has longevity

Structure of a Mission Statement "The mission of (name of your program or office/department) is to (your primary purpose) by providing (your primary function(s) and/or activities) to (your stakeholder(s))." Include additional clarifying statements if necessary. Note: The order of the pieces of the mission statement may vary from the above structure.

Mission Statement Example

Program Name: Who

Primary Function(s): What

The mission of the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE) is to ensure institutional data integrity, consistency, and accuracy; and to promote institutional effectiveness through ongoing, systematic planning and evaluation efforts in order to support programs, faculty and staff in achieving the institutional mission.

Primary Purpose: Why

Stakeholder(s): For Whom

Another similar simple format is:

The _______________ (program or office/department) will _________________ for ________________ by ________________.

This tells who the program or office/deparment is, what it intends to do, for whom it intends to do it, and by what means (how) it intends to do it.

Checklist for a Mission Statement

Does your mission statement have the following 4 components?

Name of your program/office/department Your primary purpose Your primary function(s) and/or activities Your stakeholders

Is your mission statement...

A complete sentence? Clear and concise? Distinctive and memorable? Does it clearly state the purpose of the program or office/department? Does it indicate the primary function or activities of the program or office/department? Does it reflect priorities and values? Does it indicate who the stakeholders are? Does it support the mission of the school and institution? Is it aligned with the university's mission

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